The mega-drama “SAMBHAVAMI YUGE
YUGE …” is an attempt to
provide masses a feel of what our past holds in the
form of popular wisdom and common man’s philosophy
in our epics. Lord Krishna epitomises ‘humanism
in totality’, and stands out as ‘Poorna
Purusha’ which is the need of the hour. In terms
of democratic philosophy it could also mean public discretion
and siding with the weak in fight for justice and peace
to ensure righteousness and truth.

The Mandal (Vijayadurga Saunskrutik Mandal) had an
opportunity to organise a series of shows of the acclaimed
mega-drama JANATA RAJA based on the life of Raja Shivaji,
the Maratha warrior (conceived and produced by Babasaheb
Purandare), for the audience in Goa, in December,2002.
It was felt by some members of the Mandal that a similar
production on the life and message of Lord Krishna should
appeal the public at large.

“SAMBHAVAMI YUGE
YUGE …” – The Challenges

This form of mega-drama is much more than a mere drama
that is performed on the normal stage. The major challenge
was to make this representation of Krishna a combination
of different perceptions and images carried by different
sections. Generally Krishna is known to people as a
diplomat and super strategist in Mahabharata, a philosopher
par excellence as in Bhagavad Gita and an incarnation
as depicted in Bhagavata. This mega-drama had to display
all these facets. In addition to reading the epic and
the treatise, I tried to read prominent creative works
and some analytical works in Marathi on the life and
message of Lord Krishna. I also looked at some poetic
works on the theme. The idea was to present this mega-drama
as a continuation of earlier efforts to present Lord
Krishna before mass audiences in Marathi.

“SAMBHAVAMI YUGE
YUGE …” – The Scale

The unique feature of the drama is not just one. In
the first place this is a record making project in the
history of Marathi theatre in terms of budget, physical
dimensions of the stage setting as well as number of
participants. Another important feature is that the
whole exercise is of Goans, by Goans and is being premiered
in Goa before it goes before national audience and beyond.
The use of live animals, vehicles such as carts and
chariot as a part of presentation also make it unique.

The total number of characters in the play exceeds
370. Artists are expected to enact multiple roles and
the number of artists is around 225. Of these around
80 are dancers. Nearly 65 gents, 50 ladies and 30 children
are presently active on the sets. These figures can
change depending on the situations, but changes will
always be on higher side

The total area marked for the event is 17000 sq. m.
The stage platform admeasuring 24 m x 16m will have
the apex point at nearly twenty metres from the ground
level. The stage will have five different levels starting
from the ground, and drama will unfold on all these
levels. The distance between the stage and the audience
is around 5 mts. and the seating area will accommodate
6500 people. There will be space for smooth movement
of people inside the stands and for parking of vehicles
including buses, cars and two-wheelers.